The Darkness Between Us: The Starcrossed Saga Book 2

by MJ Castleton

Things are not as they seem in Palidonia...



When the fabric of Asha’s world begins to unravel, the madness spreading through the land becomes impossible to ignore—especially as it begins to claim the one person she cannot afford to lose.



Ryder’s eyes flare with a warning he never speaks, and the cure that might save him could be the very thing that dooms them all.



Desperate, Asha ventures into lands no sane person would enter, chasing a cure whispered about like a fairytale.



As Palidonia teeters on the edge of collapse, Asha must decide how far she is willing to go.



Can she save Ryder without destroying what remains of her world, or will everything she loves burn to the ground?

393 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 18, 2026

Reviews

[Georgina Stokoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

What started as a passing Insta post has turned in to a bit of an obsession. Don't get me wrong I absolutely love the known of a lot of romantasy tropes, it's very comforting, but M.J. has managed to include all of my fave tropes and turn it on its head in to something fresh. And that ending! OMG!!! I'm gagged!

What is also really lovely is that you also see her confidence as a writer grow with each book, I can't wait to see what's next for her but more importantly I can't wait to find out how the story ends!

[Pippa Skala · Rating 5 out of 5]

That ending was diabolical, so excited for the next one. I have to wait so long. 😭

[Cally Bedworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this second instalment even more than the first! The magical aspect was really intriguing and the cliff hanger had me wanting more! Can't wait to read the next one.

[Bev · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wanted to love this book, and in many ways, I almost did.
The first half was genuinely strong. It was immersive, well paced, and pulled me in quickly. The story started with momentum and depth, and I felt fully invested in the characters and the direction it seemed to be heading.
Then something shifted.
As the book progressed, the writing began to feel repetitive, with the same metaphors being used frequently, sometimes in ways that did not fully make sense. Rather than adding atmosphere, this repetition pulled me out of the story and broke immersion at key moments. At times, the prose felt oddly mechanical, which made it harder to stay emotionally connected.
Despite this, I still enjoyed the underlying storyline. The plot itself remained interesting, and the world and character arcs were compelling enough that I read right through to the end. However, for a second book, the cliff-hanger ending felt unexpected and slightly frustrating, especially given the unevenness of the latter half of the writing.
Overall, this was an odd one to review. A book that started strong, lost some cohesion along the way, and then ended on a cliff-hanger that left me conflicted. Flawed, at times distracting, but still built on a story I wanted to care about.

[Jazlynn Mulligan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m genuinely disgusted at that ending. I hate that. “I think…I think I love you.” BITCH WHAT. Nah. That’s some fucking bullshit. But im so fucking invested in this plot. Honestly, if the plot wasn’t so good I would have DNF’d this book SO quick because of how it’s written. There were WAY too many times when scenes would completely change with no warning. One minute, they’re sitting down. Suddenly they’re across the room. Or one minute they’re in the Hallows and then all the sudden they’re at Sun Sovereign on the elion lift??? Tf?? Unfortunately, I’m still going to read the next book, because ain’t no fucking way there isn’t another book. But I REALLY hope the writing at least improves with this next one.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

MJ has done it again. Somehow this series just keeps getting better—more adventure, more intensity, almost something gripping on every single page. Once I start her books, I’m completely consumed; putting them down is simply not an option.
And that ending… I was crying, spiralling, and absolutely wrecked, trying to piece together what on earth book three could possibly look like 😭😅
I already know it’s going to be a masterpiece, just like the first two. This might honestly be my favourite romantasy series yet—and that’s saying a lot 😍
September cannot come fast enough.

[Samantha Sims · Rating 5 out of 5]

After being hooked on the first book.
Reading this on launch day.

Her love for Ryder and his love for her is next level. They trials to save him and then the world is a lot for one person who is still coming to terms with their own self worth.

Once she can do one she certainly knows she can be the other. With Ryders own twin being confirmed in River - the love of both men - where will it end.

“It was always you… It’s always going to be you.”

Extra POVs - made my heart ache so much. Emotional rollercoaster of a book.

[Marisa Kirby · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m staring at a wall now

STARING AT A WALL WHAT WAS THAT ENDING?!?!? Is there another book??? There has to be. I’m in awe right now! Those last 50 or so pages. Wow. What a journey! Through trials and tests and obstacles and battle and heartbreak. I’m all over the place with feelings. Confusion, adoration, frustration, curiosity..the list goes on. Just when I thought I knew where this story was going BOOM I was thrown into something unthought of. How flipping fun this was to read.

[Cayleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This second book in the series just keeps getting better. I could not put it down, and the only reason I stopped reading was because I looked at the clock at 2 a.m. and remembered I had work in a couple of hours.
The story deepens, the pacing is addictive, and the ending completely caught me off guard. That final twist had me feeling all kinds of emotions and left me thinking about it long after I finished. This series officially has its hooks in me, and I can’t wait to continue.

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

So I give this book 3.5 stars

What the flip was that ending?!
I don’t think I’ve ever been so angry with the 2nd to last pov..
wft, jealous are you river

Ok this book took me an embarrassing long time to finish 6 days in total.. for a second in a series I was a little disappointed considering book 1 started off so well

The world building was there but the pacing at times was a little slow then too quick

[Tiffani Terry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honestly, wow. This entire book kept me hooked from the start, I’ve loved this series!! but I’m telling you, that ending was an emotional ride. I am straight up yearning, hungry for book three. Thank the Gods there is a book THREE COMING!!! I cried bc of how angry I was at the ending… was it just me? I need to know!!! lol The series was sooo heart warming and on the edge of my seat intriguing.. and I couldn’t stop reading!! I think we all just root for Ryder, and ya’ll know what I’m praying for in book three. Seriously can’t wait for the 3rd book!!! Don’t make my heart wait too long..

[Macy Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

UGHHH EVER GET TO THE END OF THE BOOK AND YOU’RE MET WITH A HUGE CLIFFHANGER???? The 3rd book comes out in September and I’m dyinggg. Love/hate cliffhangers when the next book isn’t even out yet - (hence why I never finished reading Onyx storm🫣…)
This book was just as good as the first with a little less romance due to the circumstances Ryder is facing. Felt like a few chapter were really drawn out… a little frustrating with that like get to the point haha, but other than that, it was great!

[Natasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ryder still owns my heart. The poor guy has suffered so much and judging by that cruel cliffhanger, his suffering has only just begun. Asha remains the strong FMC that she was in book one, only now suffering greater than I'd ever thought possible. I cannot wait to see where this series takes me. It is fastly becoming one of my all time favourite fantasy series.

[Paige Grover · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the first book in the series, but not sure about this one, as I feel like were missing a big chunk of the story because surely they wouldn't accept her back willingly after finding out she is a star. It would go against some of there moral.

also the ending i didn't quite understand why the author would end it that way. I would have left that power to die with that person.

[Toni Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn’t ready for that ending!

Devoured this in 2 days. Possibly one of my favourite series! Honestly the characters are brilliant and are so well written.
Im so glad I found this Author and series!
That cliffhanger was unexpected and now I need to wait for book 3!

[Joscelynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was not expecting that twist at the end! I’ve been anxiously waiting for this second book and MJ did not disappoint. I couldn’t put it down. This is up there with my all time favorite fantasy reads. Loved it and can’t wait to see what she has in store for us in book 3. ♥️

[Melissa Fleming · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have never been gripped by a series so much!! There have been tears, I've been on the edge of my seat multiple times, I've shouted in joy. So many emotions I have been through while reading this series and I don't regret a single one of them. Definitely a 5 star series in my eyes ❤️❤️❤️

[Jessica Giles · Rating 4 out of 5]

An amazing part 2 to the story, the tension, the dread (in the best way), the nerves, it was amazing, I will say part 2 was quite long and felt a bit harder to be drawn into then book one but the ending was absolutely perfect 🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹

[Tamara Willis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Im obsessed! This whole book had me at the edge of my seat. I loved it more than Book 1 which is saying a lot because I fell in LOVE with Book 1! Def a must read!

[Charline ♎️ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Boooo 👎🏻
Fuck river … need I say more. I HATE HATE HATE him

[Addison Alsup · Rating 4 out of 5]

THE ENDING!!??? Just when I thought Asha and Ryder were finally good, River wiped their memories!!?? My jaw was on the floor😭

[Steph Burns · Rating 5 out of 5]

It wasn’t suppose to end this way! I need the next book immediately, I need answers 😭
Never thought I would love this series as much as I have but I’m read this series in no time at all! I’m hooked

[Olivia Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow what a ride! I’m shook. The ending has pissed me off so much I am literally fuming. I need book 3 asap

[Jade · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved book 1. Book 2 was even better! 5* read in my opinion. MJ captures you instantly with her writing 🥰 now to wait for book 3❤️

[Anjelica Vargas · Rating 3 out of 5]

how dare you

Ma’am how dare you end the book that way!? There better be a 3rd book fixing what happened at the end. Brb while I go cry😭

[MKay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Completely Floored

Holy cow! The mother of all plot twists! I did not see that one coming i am gunna be on the cliffs edge till book 3 oh my gosh

[Jen Konrardy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was even better than the first! I love the unique magic, the Romeo and Juliet vibes with MIA Gods and trials! Be prepared for some emotional trauma as the ending leaves you screaming NOOOOO!

[Jen · Rating 1 out of 5]

Unfortunately, the writing did not improve from the first book and moreover, the story is disappointing here despite a promising start.